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Dead Weight: A Supernatural Crime Thriller Where the Dead Demand Justice
Haunted by the dead. Hunted by the living. Some secrets refuse to stay buried.
Carl Drozick has a rare gift—he can talk to the dead. For a detective, that should be an advantage. Instead, it's a curse. The voices of the murdered demand justice, their whispers pressing in on him, but the toll on his sanity is steep.
When Carl turns to psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Loomis for help, she sees his case as a potential career breakthrough. But as their paths intertwine, they're drawn into a far more dangerous mystery—one that threatens them both.
As Carl's investigations lead him into a realm where the boundary between life and death wavers, he uncovers secrets darker than the crimes he's trying to solve. A sadistic serial killer is on the loose, leaving clues that draw him deeper into a chilling game. With each new victim, Carl must piece together a puzzle that stretches beyond the grave—before it consumes him completely.
Richard Rybicki's supernatural crime thriller, the first in the Corpse Whisperer series, takes readers on a haunting journey where murder, mystery and the afterlife collide, and one detective's extraordinary ability may be the key to uncovering the ultimate truth.
Carl Drozick has a rare gift—he can talk to the dead. For a detective, that should be an advantage. Instead, it's a curse. The voices of the murdered demand justice, their whispers pressing in on him, but the toll on his sanity is steep.
When Carl turns to psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Loomis for help, she sees his case as a potential career breakthrough. But as their paths intertwine, they're drawn into a far more dangerous mystery—one that threatens them both.
As Carl's investigations lead him into a realm where the boundary between life and death wavers, he uncovers secrets darker than the crimes he's trying to solve. A sadistic serial killer is on the loose, leaving clues that draw him deeper into a chilling game. With each new victim, Carl must piece together a puzzle that stretches beyond the grave—before it consumes him completely.
Richard Rybicki's supernatural crime thriller, the first in the Corpse Whisperer series, takes readers on a haunting journey where murder, mystery and the afterlife collide, and one detective's extraordinary ability may be the key to uncovering the ultimate truth.
330 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 26, 2025
102 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
May 26, 2025
Interesting take on homicide detective work as Carl Drozick, recovering addict and alcoholic, talks to the recently murdered to gain as much information as he can to find the murderer/s. Carl is not entirely likable and not even relatable from a citizen's (my) point of view. However, I continued reading, really wanting to see how he worked. Glad I did as his story unfolds as he and a homicide team follow the evidence. A bit noir, a bit abrupt and taciturn, a bit of compassion and dogged determination shows through. Good start to a series. I am going to go get book two, "Dead Line."
January 7, 2026
Fabulous Read -
I was so surprised by this book, the title of supernatural crime thriller, demand, justice, and the corpse whisperer really caught my attention. I am so glad that I took the time to read this book and Richard. Rybicki has an absolute new fan!!!! if you’re looking for something different with crime and a supernatural twist, please read this book and the series!! I loved all of the characters the storylines and the way that the main character talks to you in the story. I can hardly wait to read the second, and then I’m going to pick up Mr. Rybicki other books. give it a chance you will definitely not be disappointed. It was really a breath of fresh air combining my two favorite genres.
I was so surprised by this book, the title of supernatural crime thriller, demand, justice, and the corpse whisperer really caught my attention. I am so glad that I took the time to read this book and Richard. Rybicki has an absolute new fan!!!! if you’re looking for something different with crime and a supernatural twist, please read this book and the series!! I loved all of the characters the storylines and the way that the main character talks to you in the story. I can hardly wait to read the second, and then I’m going to pick up Mr. Rybicki other books. give it a chance you will definitely not be disappointed. It was really a breath of fresh air combining my two favorite genres.
September 16, 2025
This was one of a kind!
Absolutely loved this unique read. I thought i had it figured out halfway through but I was wrong. The dark humor was so good. Idk if it's because my hubby was a cop for 18 yrs and I get it but I did enjoy those parts. Poor Carl, he's in a sticky situation with his abilities. There wasn't a dull moment. I loved all the characters and they were well developed. I loved hating the bad ones. And omgosh now I'm liking Blake better than Dr Loomis in a way. I do hope she is at least in the next book. I also hope this author writes so many more in the series! Sure wish there was an audiobook.
Absolutely loved this unique read. I thought i had it figured out halfway through but I was wrong. The dark humor was so good. Idk if it's because my hubby was a cop for 18 yrs and I get it but I did enjoy those parts. Poor Carl, he's in a sticky situation with his abilities. There wasn't a dull moment. I loved all the characters and they were well developed. I loved hating the bad ones. And omgosh now I'm liking Blake better than Dr Loomis in a way. I do hope she is at least in the next book. I also hope this author writes so many more in the series! Sure wish there was an audiobook.
March 3, 2025
Entertaining read about a homicide detective named Carl that worked the bare minimum until the dead started talking to him. Now he's a super-star and has attracted the attention of a serial killer who is roping Carl into his kills. Add in a psychiatrist who is mildly attracted to him but also using him to further her own career and you have exciting action and intrigue! Great characters and world-building, fun dialogue. Love his concept, hoping this is the first in the series!
March 4, 2025
A super original story with many unexpected twists and turns that confuse, intrigue and funny situations that will not let you let go of the book until the end, an entertaining and exciting story about a detective that the dead begin to talk to him, a psychiatrist infatuated with him and a serial killer who has him in his sights.
A very enjoyable and exciting read that will not let you get bored.
A very enjoyable and exciting read that will not let you get bored.
January 12, 2026
Very good read.
This is a regular serial killer cop book. The mystery isn't the super interesting part. The character building is the center of this book. The central detective speaks to the dead victims post death.
The only thing I was leary of was the obvious scooby doo reference...but the writer addressed it.
It has very few plot errors and Grammer errors. Even fewer misspellings. THANK YOU.
This is a regular serial killer cop book. The mystery isn't the super interesting part. The character building is the center of this book. The central detective speaks to the dead victims post death.
The only thing I was leary of was the obvious scooby doo reference...but the writer addressed it.
It has very few plot errors and Grammer errors. Even fewer misspellings. THANK YOU.
February 27, 2025
After working in law enforcement for twenty-five years, it’s obvious to me that this author has walked the walk. Rybicki does an amazing job of spinning this original story that is full of twists and turns. This is a page turning thrill ride that will leave you wanting more. I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
March 4, 2025
A new author to me and a story concept that is totally different to everything else I've read and I loved it. This story was a page turner for me with the cast of characters adding plenty, especially Carl, I really liked him, he was the perfect hero.
I'll gladly read more in this series.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I'll gladly read more in this series.
I received a free advance review copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
April 19, 2025
The characters in this book were exceptionally well-developed and engaging; the author's skillful use of humor and wit created a highly enjoyable reading experience. The storyline was compelling, and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all readers; it is certain to create devoted fans. I am eager to continue with the next installment in the series.
July 8, 2025
Dead End Dialogues
You'd think that having an inside source would make solving crimes easier, but it’s more complicated than you'd expect. You can tell that this series is written by someone who has the experience of an actual detective. But, it isn't because he stuffed a million factual details into it, though it's a well-written police procedural. It's because he has relied heavily on his own humanity, especially in his dialogues.
The details that fill these pages assure you that Detective Carl Drozick is a self-deprecating and flawed human being. He's made mistakes and is more than a little broken. He’s modest and human enough to admit how he played a part in his own tragedies, yet is rededicated to the job because he wants to bring killers to justice.
I like Carl very much and I liked Dead Weight well enough to get the second book in the series and devour that, too. Though Carl uses more than experience and training to solve crimes, the series has a feel similar to Ed McBain’s excellent 87th Precinct series, though it's relatively more modern.
Thank you to the author, Richard Rybicki, Vinci Books, and Hidden Gems for a free advanced review copy of the book. I'm under no obligation for their gift and my review is my own opinion.
You'd think that having an inside source would make solving crimes easier, but it’s more complicated than you'd expect. You can tell that this series is written by someone who has the experience of an actual detective. But, it isn't because he stuffed a million factual details into it, though it's a well-written police procedural. It's because he has relied heavily on his own humanity, especially in his dialogues.
The details that fill these pages assure you that Detective Carl Drozick is a self-deprecating and flawed human being. He's made mistakes and is more than a little broken. He’s modest and human enough to admit how he played a part in his own tragedies, yet is rededicated to the job because he wants to bring killers to justice.
I like Carl very much and I liked Dead Weight well enough to get the second book in the series and devour that, too. Though Carl uses more than experience and training to solve crimes, the series has a feel similar to Ed McBain’s excellent 87th Precinct series, though it's relatively more modern.
Thank you to the author, Richard Rybicki, Vinci Books, and Hidden Gems for a free advanced review copy of the book. I'm under no obligation for their gift and my review is my own opinion.
April 13, 2025
Dead Weight
This was a really good story. The characters were well designed and Interesting. Our hero, was a lazy man who had a come to Jesus movement. He was shot and died, but was revived. Now he can talk to murdered victims. This was a good read.
This was a really good story. The characters were well designed and Interesting. Our hero, was a lazy man who had a come to Jesus movement. He was shot and died, but was revived. Now he can talk to murdered victims. This was a good read.
April 15, 2025
Engaging stories
I’ve read all the Sam Laska books and loved them! Engaging stories from the get go and interesting characters. The settings with Sarasota, FL and Chicago as the background are a bonus for me as I’ve lived in both locations!
I’ve read all the Sam Laska books and loved them! Engaging stories from the get go and interesting characters. The settings with Sarasota, FL and Chicago as the background are a bonus for me as I’ve lived in both locations!
January 4, 2026
excellent reading
Great book. I love paranormal stories and this one did not disappoint. It was very well done. The main character was flawed and very human. Great police story as well.
Great book. I love paranormal stories and this one did not disappoint. It was very well done. The main character was flawed and very human. Great police story as well.
April 28, 2025
Interesting premise, but it actually wasn’t as good as I thought it would be. I read till the end, hoping for it to get a little better. Oh, well.
May 1, 2025
If you believe in supernatural - this book is for you! I found in intriguing. Enjoyed it from cover to end!
June 3, 2025
I think I’m being generous with the 3 star rating. The premise is good: homicide detective who can talk to the murdered dead. Unfortunately the writing is terrible.
December 30, 2025
awesome book… funny yet creepy but page turning fun…
Anticipating more with these characters. Read in 2 days. Fun read with great character and action plots. Will read more.
Anticipating more with these characters. Read in 2 days. Fun read with great character and action plots. Will read more.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews